Luxembourg's Enemies: None Currently, But WWII Occupation History

Grand Duchy's International Relations

Luxembourg has no declared enemies today. It maintains diplomatic relations with 100+ countries and is a founding member of NATO, EU, UN, OECD, Benelux.

Historical Exception: WWII

• May 10, 1940: Nazi Germany invades (Fall Gelb)
• 1940-1944: Occupation, annexation (CdZ-Gebiet Luxemburg), forced conscription (10,000+), deportation of Jews (1,000+ murdered)
• Sept 1944: Liberated by US 5th Armored Division
• Post-war: Founding NATO (1949) – collective security against Soviet threat

Modern Security Architecture

• NATO Article 5: Attack on one = attack on all
• EU Mutual Defence Clause (Art 42.7 TEU)
• Benelux Defence Cooperation: Joint training, procurement, air policing (with Belgium/Netherlands)
• No standing army: ~900 volunteer army; contributes to NATO/EU missions

Diplomatic Philosophy

Neutrality abandoned 1948. Now: multilateralism, rule of law, mediation. Hosts EU institutions (Court of Justice, EIB, Court of Auditors). Mediated: Iran nuclear talks, Colombia peace process.

Potential Threats (Not "Enemies")

• Cyber attacks (state/non-state)
• Financial crime (tax haven reputation)
• Hybrid threats (disinformation, infrastructure)
• Climate impacts (flooding, heat)

Luxembourg: small, wealthy, embedded in alliances, no enemies—by design and diplomacy.